Thomas Musgrave, William Storer, Abigail Ogea

Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is relatively new to production in Louisiana. As a result, many production methods are being evaluated to determine best management practices for the local industry. A production method, compiled from various sources within the industry, was evaluated as a starting point for agronomic hemp production and its effects on the subsequent cannabinoid yields. For this, unrooted cuttings of two popular photosensitive industrial hemp varieties, Belle and Janet’s G (The Hemp Mine; Anderson, CA), were cultivated by these methods, and yields of cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were measured. Rooting was successfully accomplished in both varieties by the standard rooting techniques used in other horticultural crops. High heat and humidity made both varieties susceptible to blight. Russet and Spider mite infestations were also evident. Regular pruning and neem oil applications combined with judicious watering and separation of infected plants successfully yielded flower that met with Louisiana THC regulations (less than 0.3 %). Elevated levels of cannabinoids were produced that were specific to their respective variety (CBD-Belle and CBG-Janet's G). These data indicate that hemp flower can be produced in Southwest Louisiana. More research is necessary to minimize blight morbidity/mortality and to maximize cannabinoid levels within the flower.

Specified Source(s) of Funding: Shearman Research Initiative

Karishma Nathaniel, Carley Pinel, Emily Arceneaux, Raj Boopathy

Antibiotic resistance is and has been a prevalent issue in public health in recent years. Poor sewage treatment, natural agricultural runoff, and excess nutrients from pollutants such as fertilizers create prime environments for gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) to occur in waterways such as Bayou Folse. Because of these growing challenges and environmental reservoirs for these microbes, new methods for dealing with ARB and ARGs are needed. Both natural and constructed wetlands have shown potential to be effective and cost-effective methods of reducing antibiotic resistance in the environment. In this study, Bayou Folse, a heavily impaired waterway with an extensive watershed that includes runoff from cattle, home septic systems, and industrial pollution, is an ideal candidate to incorporate into a constructed wetland. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of the Nicholls State University’s newly constructed wetland in reducing nutrients and ARB. Water samples were collected once a month for a year in the inlet and outlet of the constructed wetland and analyzed for water chemistry, fecal coliform bacteria and ARB.  The preliminary results of this study have demonstrated the efficacy of the constructed assimilation wetland in reducing overall nutrient load, fecal coliform bacteria, and ARB from the water in Bayou Folse.

Fahim Muntasir Rabbi, Fereshteh Emami

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles (< 5 mm), resulting from the degradation of larger plastics. Due to their diminutive size, MPs are readily ingested by aquatic organisms, entering the food chain and posing risks to animal and human health. In recent decades, substantial concern has arisen regarding the presence and impacts of MPs in aquatic environments globally.  Despite being a widely studied global issue, no prior research has been conducted on MPs in Lake Maurepas. This study aims to investigate the presence of MPs in the water of Lake Maurepas and characterize its physicochemical properties. Water samples were collected monthly from 9 sampling sites in the lake from October to December 2024. At each station, water was collected from three depths (surface, middle, and bottom) to obtain a composite sample. Subsequently, the water sample underwent preprocessing, followed by MPs detection and physical characterization using a stereomicroscope. The results demonstrate the presence of high levels of MPs in the lake water, with an average concentration ranging between 81 to 274 particles/L across the sampling sites. Color-based segregation revealed that blue and white MPs were the most abundant. Fibers were the predominant type of MPs, followed by fragments. MPs in the 100-500 µm size range were dominant. Chemical characterization using FTIR revealed the presence of Cellophane, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, and polyester in the lake water.

Priscilla Loh, Yaw Twumasi, Zhu. H. Ning, Recheal Armah, Jeff Dacosta Osei, Dorcas Twumwaa Gyan, Esi Dadzie, Kingsford Kobina Annan

The Atchafalaya Basin Wetlands in Louisiana, one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the United States, face challenges from agricultural runoff, introducing excess nutrients and pesticides that lead to eutrophication and ecosystem degradation. This study employs remote sensing technologies to assess the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality from 2010 to 2024 using Landsat and Sentinel-2 to calculate water quality indicators such as chlorophyll-a concentration and turbidity. These indicators, analyzed alongside USGS water quality data, will reveal pollution trends and their spatial impact on the wetlands. The research will also evaluate the effectiveness of restoration efforts including invasive species removal, vegetation restoration and nutrient management, by comparing pre- and post-restoration conditions using remote sensing data. Expected results include significant water quality degradation linked to nutrient runoff and notable improvements in restored areas where invasive species have been controlled and vegetation restored. Spatial maps and time-series analyses will highlight pollution hotspots and restoration success stories, providing insights into the relationship between agricultural practices and wetland health. This study highlights the importance of remote sensing in monitoring wetland ecosystems and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving wetland management and restoration strategies, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices. 

Toni Cortez and Raj Boopathy

Both natural and constructed wetlands have emerged as an effective treatment method of effluent, an important consideration in mitigating the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance in environmental contexts. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of natural versus constructed wetlands in removing nutrients, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARG) from aquatic effluent in Louisiana. Chemical analysis and bacterial composition assessments will be conducted on water samples collected in triplicates from four sites across both a constructed and a natural wetland in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Measurements will include pH, dissolved oxygen, organic carbon, nitrate, ammonia, sulfate, and phosphate levels. Analysis of PFAS will be conducted on all water samples.  Fecal coliform counts will be conducted on bacteria cultured from all water samples. Additionally, bacterial resistance to seven commonly prescribed antibiotics will be assessed using a Kirby-Bauer assay. The composition of plant communities recognized for their contributions to the reduction of ARBs and ARGs will also be analyzed and compared. Current data on constructed vs natural wetlands could inform future assimilation projects, potentially enhancing effluent treatment performance and reducing human illnesses and environmental damage.